January 2008

January 24, 2008

Okay, so where was I? Other than TheMiddleOfNowhere? I think I'd been talking about Mt Lawley S'n'B's Secret Santa, and what a great bunch of people those knitters are...

The Secret Santa Party was a big highlight of my trip, because as well as seeing all my favourite knitters, eating fantastic food, and getting the aforementioned Jo Sharp Alpaca Kid Lustre (which is what it turned out to be- those holes in my brain kinda had me stuck on alpaca... oooh, alpaca...), I was also given a pasta machine by our ever-gracious host, SpiderKnit.

The pasta machine and I have bonded, to the extent that I have put on two kilos since coming back from Christmas festivities. Jeez! You're supposed to put weight on during Christmas, not after it. I have discovered the true joy of flour, eggs and salt- also that my plans of taking photos of the pasta-making process are not as simple as you'd think, unless you happen to be an octopus. (Note: I am not an octopus). Besides, taking photos would slow down my pasta-churning abilities, and nothing should get in the way of me stuffing my face.

As I always do when I visit my old hometown, I stopped in at my favourite former scuttling-ground: Crossways Wool & Fabrics. I have been to many yarn stores in all parts of the globe* and this one is still my favourite. I know some people think it's disorganised and cluttered, but to me, well... it's kind of like my bedroom: I know where everything is.

* Except uh... Asia, Africa and America. Fine! I have been to many Australian and British yarn stores, and a few European and Canadian ones.

They've given up helping me look for yarns, because in their words "you probably know the stock better than we do". I notice when they move stock. I notice when some careless customer has put yarn back on the wrong shelf. I notice when they get new stuff in... and this last one is dangerous. Behold, my latest purchase, the most expensive yarn, per skein, that I have ever bought- Filatura Di Crosa 'Superior'. Cashmere and silk lace weight. Oh god. I have to wear a pelican bib when I knit with it, because the consequences are too grim to imagine otherwise. I keep coming back to the gorgeous Grannie Smith cardigan, but I'm not sure whether it would look a bit matronly on me. Any advice?

In other exciting news, tomorrow I am going to a SlightlyLargerTown which is also SlightlyLessInTheMiddleOfNowhere. Huzzah! Apparently they have a craft shop. I am leaving my credit cards at home, as a precaution.

Coming up next time: City Slicker Cat Becomes Oil Slicker Cat... and how not to give a cat a bath.

January 17, 2008

I wish I could crochet better, so I could make Bender Bending Rodriguez! Best.Project.Ever. I have a heap of Patons Moonlight in silver, which would be perfect for it, but my crochet skills are completely lacking. D'oh! It's times like these I really miss being able to go to S'n'B. I will have to make do with video tutorials my brain. (I am currently battling with my ISP about relocating my account. I won't tell you their name but there is a facebook group for their disgruntled customers, and believe me, I am totally the opposite of gruntled at the moment!)

I'm still trying to catch up on work, blog and crafty pursuits after being away over Christmas, so forgive me if it comes in dribs and drabs.

I've been deciding what to knit with the gorgeous yarn I got from the S'n'B Secret Santa- Jo Sharp Alpaca Silk Georgette (I think? I have holes in my brain) in a beautiful fuchsia colour, light DK weight. This yarn is pretty determined to be a beret, but I can't decide what pattern. I don't want anything too intricate and girly, but I think this yarn would show off cables beautifully. I might just use a generic beret recipe and add some cables or something. Any ideas gratefully received.

I have also been working on the Icarus Shawl, slowly but steadily. I'm only on the second pattern repeat so I may be working on it for years to come, but here's a sneak preview:

When I was in Melbourne, I went to visit the Thread Den which is a little clothing shop/sewing lounge/den of awesomeness. You can go there and use their sewing room, equipped with just about everything you need, which would be a godsend if- like me- you don't have the space to set up a sewing room, or even a sewing corner. They also sell some really cool vintage/vintage inspired clothes, fabrics and notions, and the staff are totally friendly and helpful. Not scary at all! See Exhibition A, 'Cool Stuff':

If you're ever in Melbourne, I definitely recommend you go and say hello.

January 11, 2008

Good: It is cool enough to wear my favourite skirt today, and I have received many compliments on what an awesome skirt it is.Bad: The zip just broke, exposing my rear end. Good: There is no-one in the office to witness my humiliation. Or my backside.Bad: Clients may walk in at any moment.Also bad: I have no emergency zipper repair kit, safety pins, or sticky tape, and not enough hands to hold the skirt in place while finding said items.Possibility: I have a phone! Maybe someone will be able to bring safety pins.

Problem: Phone is on other side of office, near window and front counter where I stupidly left it this morning. Retrieving it will involve exposing my assets to the entire main street.

Another possibility: I do have a stapler.

Actual course of action: Asking the internets for help! Are there any McGuyvers around who can tell me how to fashion a new zip from Post-It Notes and the inside of a Biro?

Follow-up: I was saved by the arrival of a friend who managed to wrestle the zip back into some semblance of order for long enough for me to get home and change. The skirt is now in my Do Not Wear basket until I can find someone smart enough to help me install a working zip.